According to a report by the American Medical Association, the brain appears to be especially susceptible to alcohol damage during a personís high school and college years.

While the brain physically stops growing when a person reaches the age of five, its cells continue to refine and realign themselves until a person is 20 years old.

The late-teen/early adulthood period is recognized as prime drinking years for many. As a result, the consumption of alcohol whether moderate or heavy could bring about long-lasting brain damage, especially in regard to memory and critical thinking.

Teen drinkers are particularly vulnerable in two areas of the brain:

-the hippocampus, which is responsible for the brainís memory, and

-the prefrontal cortex, which is paramount to decision making.

Warn adolescents about the dangers of drinking. It may seem grown-up, sophisticated and daring but addiction creeps up on you. Like weight-gain addiction does not happen overnight. Yet, you look in the mirror one day and it's there.

Adapted from The Baltimore Sun

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